Our Staff
What makes us unique?
All tutors have completed explicit coursework related to the subject they teach. In addition to being Certified or working towards Certification, they are provided ongoing mentorship and staff development in the areas of Literacy, the Science of Reading, and Mathematics.
Leah Skinner, M.Ed
Program Director
Leah is currently working towards a Doctor of Education in Reading and Literacy. She holds a Master of Education: Dyslexia Specialist degree and is a Certified Dyslexia Therapist trained in numerous Structured Literacy Programs (Orton-Gillingham). Being a Certified Special Education Advocate, Leah is committed to helping parents navigate the world of education and dyslexia. After a rewarding experience at a school for dyslexic students for 5 years, Leah made the decision to bring her passion and knowledge to a larger community and opened READ Academy of Sacramento with a team of talented and experienced teachers. Leah’s endeavors are supported by her husband of 27 years and her 5 sons (3 of whom are dyslexic).
Kassie Hughey
Assistant Program Director
Kassie has always known that she wanted to be an educator. She first worked with struggling students by volunteering for the Placer County Reading Council. She then tutoring using the Barton Reading and Spelling System receiving her Advanced level certification in 2018. In addition, Kassie holds a Bachelor’s in English from Sacramento State University. Kassie has worked with dyslexic students for many years teaching Foundations in Sounds, Barton and Wilson Reading System. She helps students reach their fullest potential through compassion, empathy and a teaching style that is tailored to every student’s needs.
Lori Bassham
Reading Instructor
Lori received her Multiple Subject Credential in 1992 and has worked in both Public and Private schools since then. Lori is a passionate advocate for kids with dyslexia. When her son was diagnosed with dyslexia, she experienced first hand the anxiety and self esteem issues that sometimes accompany the dyslexic child. That is when she made the decision to dedicate herself for the last 5 years to helping students with dyslexia learn to read. Lori is excited to work at READ Academy as part of the administrative team, as a mentor and as a classroom teacher.
Jen McNairy
Math Instructor
In addition to a Bachelor of Science in Finance, Jennifer has completed over 250 hours in Making Math Real coursework and has been a classroom practitioner of the MMR methodology for over 5 years. Jennifer became passionate about specialized math instruction when her daughter was identified with dyslexia and dyscalculia. Jennifer’s personal experience with her own four children (2 sets of twins!), her experience with hundreds of students with learning disabilities, her specialized instruction at the Making Math Real Institute, and her extensive independent research makes her one of the area’s leading specialists in addressing dyscalculia.
Alyssa Albert
Reading and Math Instructor
Alyssa grew up in Truckee, California where her passion for teaching first began when she made online videos teaching children various speech and writing topics for a private school. She then began to teach more hands on learning as a children’s snowboard/ski instructor. Alyssa attended California State University of Monterey Bay and while pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Studies she also completed courses in Psychology and Childhood/Adolescent Development. Alyssa looks forward to helping her students at READ Academy flourish.
Julie Starbird
Reading Instructor
After receiving a Bachelor of Science in Government, Julie worked in IT for a Financial Services company for 10 years. When one of her three children was diagnosed with dyslexia, Julie became passionate about wanting to help other children who were struggling to read. Julie is certified in the Barton Reading and Spelling System and is currently enrolled in the Wilson Reading System Certification program. Julie is a Certified Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner working towards her Dyslexia Therapist designation in 2022. She is excited to be a part of READ Learning Center.
Brianna Gonzalez
Math Instructor
Brianna’s passion for teaching and helping students began in high school where she became a tutor in Math and Science. She then went on to attend Sierra College where she pursued her Bachelor’s Degree in Science, while also completing courses in Psychology and Human Development. She will be utilizing her instruction in Making Math Real to educate her students efficiently, ensuring that they receive the quality of math instruction and a deep understanding that they deserve. She strives to create a positive and engaging environment where her students are able to build confidence and excel in their work.
Achante Broadnax
Reading and Writing Instructor
Achante began her journey into education in high school where she tutored in English writing classes. As she continued her education, teaching became something that she grew passionate about. Her goal is to help all students achieve confidence in their academic abilities. Achante is trained in Foundations in Sounds, Barton Reading and Spelling and Institute For Excellence in Writing curriculum. When she is not teaching, she is working towards a Bachelors in Social and Behavioral Sciences and assisting in English classes at the college level.
JoAnne Kienle
Reading Instructor
JoAnne is a certified Wilson Practitioner and pursued Liberal Studies with a minor in Child Psychology at San Diego State University. She also holds a Montessori certification and has extensive teaching experience starting from elementary school in Sacramento to Santa Barbara, San Diego, Monument, Colorado and now back to Sacramento. When her oldest son was diagnosed with dyslexia, ADHD and generalized anxiety she soon pursued Wilson training. Her son’s success in reading and comprehension at and above grade level led her passion in helping kids overcome their struggles and motivating them to enjoy reading as well.
Shelley Russ
Reading Instructor
Shelley has over 15 years experience working with children in a public school setting and also with dyslexic students in a private school setting. In addition to being a talented Certified Barton Reading and Spelling instructor, Shelley is the go-to person for students, staff and parents alike. She is a dedicated administrative assistant and tirelessly supports all staff. She is the friendly voice on the phone, the smiling face at the beginning and end of the day, the safe-keeper of students and the one that everyone knows.
READ Academy, in utilizing Making Math Real® (MMR®) methods, is in no way affiliated with, a member of, or employed by the Making Math Real Institute (MMRI), and does not represent or reflect MMR® or David Berg in any way whatsoever. Neither the MMRI nor David Berg has trained, certified, licensed, monitored, endorsed, recommended, or sponsored READ Academy. MMR® is a clinical methodology, not a program or a curriculum, and neither the MMRI nor David Berg monitors, endorses, or accounts for the quality of services provided by READ Academy.